George Pettigrew and his papa must leave the California rancho they'd lived on since his birth. They end up in New York City, where Papa marries and George gets a new beloved mama. George also meets Frank and Bart who become fast friends, and in Bart's case, even more.<br><br>The start of the Civil War leaves George the man of the family, but although he’s found a job, it’s difficult to pay the ever-increasing rent. Then Papa dies at Appomattox and Mama falls ill.<br><br>After Mama dies, her father takes George’s siblings. When George learns his younger sister is being abused, he rescues the three children. But will dressing his sisters as boys and himself as a woman be enough of a disguise to keep them safe until they can reach the valley he’s dreamed of? Will Bart leave behind his own family and go with the man he loves?

Home Before Sundown

“Don’t you hit my b-big sister!” Noelle shouted, and George felt ice coil in his gut.


Ezra slapped his hand over Noelle’s mouth and then yowled when she bit him. He cuffed her head, and George twisted in Eli’s grip, determined to get free. Eli smacked him so hard he knocked off George’s bonnet, leaving it to hang from the ribbons down his back.


“Mind your manners, missy, or I’ll cut that pretty face of yours.”


“You two keep thinking that.” Ezra slid his fist around Noelle’s throat and squeezed. This time George’s insides knotted, and for a second he couldn’t catch his breath. Would he be able to move fast enough to save his sister?


“You really want to do that?” the kid asked.


“Uh huh.” The kid gave Ezra a bland look, and Ezra let go of Noelle’s throat. Thank God. “Well, I reckon I’ll be heading on west.”


Chapter 103